To Thread - Forum Home

The Mudcat Café TM
https://mudcat.org/thread.cfm?threadid=10616
32 messages

Songs of Hope/Encouragement

29 Apr 99 - 05:43 PM (#74376)
Subject: Songs of Hope/Encouragement
From: bbc

Our world is looking pretty grim these days, especially as reported by mass media--Alice's son missing 2 days of school to pipe bomb threats, the news from Canada, worries about WWIII. This morning, I heard a news item which gave me the chills. Supposedly a boy in a NYC middle school overheard 5 of his classmates discussing plans to blow up their school. He went & reported this to the principal & those kids are out of school now. A week ago, I probably would have believed it without question. As it happens, though, it is almost identical to the rumor spread about my son--which was completely unfounded. Many adults & children are living in fear right now. Other kids are considering murder & mayhem. Still others are thinking of ways to get time off from school or give trouble to those they dislike. Some, like my son, have been victimized by those kids. I just hope that, now, he doesn't get the idea that notoriety is fun.

We need to exert our influence for good & we need to encourage ourselves. Those of you who perform, I hope you will choose, in these next days, some songs which encourage right actions & staying the course. The rest of us will sing to ourselves & try to bring light to our corners of the world.

Let's put together some song ideas which are hopeful. Here's my start--"Fashioned in the Clay" by Elmer Beal (I know it by Bok, Muir, Trickett)& "Hope for One & All" by David Mallett. The world *will* go on & so will we!

best,

bbc

29 Apr 99 - 05:56 PM (#74378)
Subject: RE: Songs of Hope/Encouragement
From: Bert

This Saturday I plan to sing Kat's song "That's not my Colorado".

Bert.

29 Apr 99 - 06:27 PM (#74382)
Subject: RE: Songs of Hope/Encouragement
From: Barbara

"Here's a song for all the good people, all the good people I've met in my life..." Like you all. Blessings.

29 Apr 99 - 07:33 PM (#74396)
Subject: Lyr Add: TURN THE WORLD AROUND^^^
From: Mark Cohen

Here are some words I wrote in 1985 to a song by Ian Campbell called "Apprentice Song." (It was Alison on the Mudcat Forum who finally found the source of the tune for me, after 12 years of wondering!) The tune is with that song in the DT database. Maybe somebody who knows how can put in a link to it. (Click here) I submitted this song, "Turn the World Around", to the DT but I didn't find it in a search today, so either I'm not good at searches or it hasn't been entered yet. (Not a complaint, Dick! Thanks for all you do.)

Turn the World Around, c 1985 Mark Cohen

Every day I look around me,everything seems upside down
Armies marching, children starving, people tearing others down
Fear and anger can overwhelm me, or I can choose to stand my ground
Look into myself and know it, I can turn the world around

Wars are fought by mighty powers, but the power lies in you
One by one to reach your hand out, all it takes is wanting to
Make your mind up to make a difference, and you'll see you're gaining ground
Look into yourself and know it, you can turn the world around

You don't have to move a mountain, all you have to move is you
Write a letter, help a neighbor, lift your voice, try something new
Though that voice may be small and quiet, it can make a mighty sound
Find in in yourself and try it, you can turn the world around

Additional verses would be welcome.

Did I do it right, Mark?
-Joe Offer-

29 Apr 99 - 07:59 PM (#74405)
Subject: RE: Songs of Hope/Encouragement
From: SeanM

While I'm not sure how appropriate the song would seem to some people, 'Come by the Hills' touches a chord within me on this issue... The song is more literally about Ireland and the loss of the past, reflected through the beauty of the present, but I see deeper meanings in the visions of childhood and the loss of innocence that accompanies it, and the invitation to realize that it's all the same...

I'll be singing this weekend, and I'll make sure that this is one of the tunes...

'Our past has been lost, and the future has yet to be one...and the cares of tomorrow will wait 'till this day is done...'

M

29 Apr 99 - 08:04 PM (#74407)
Subject: RE: Songs of Hope/Encouragement
From: Alice

As school kids we learned the Christopher's song, based on the Chinese saying, It is better to light a single candle than to curse the darkness.

29 Apr 99 - 09:44 PM (#74442)
Subject: RE: Songs of Hope/Encouragement
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)

Turning Toward the Morning
Julian of Norwich (All shall be well again...)
We Shall Overcome
Peace Like a River

This is a great idea, bbc! I was thinking of starting something like this, checked into the 'Cat and you beat me to it. What a great place! Sing on, everyone- what else can we think of?
Allison

29 Apr 99 - 10:24 PM (#74451)
Subject: RE: Songs of Hope/Encouragement
From: northfolk/al cholger

Usually when I post, it is either in the form of a political conclusion that I want to share, or, occasionally, a bit of satire. (honest, never any harm intended). Once in a while I have the opportunity to help, with some fact that Ive garnered in my life that answers someone's query...today, let me say that no song gives me more enthusiasm for getting up each morning and carrying it on than Stan Roger's "Mary Ellen Carter"...guess it is the tonic against "smiling bastards, lying to you, everywhere you go....

29 Apr 99 - 11:02 PM (#74461)
Subject: RE: Songs of Hope/Encouragement
From: Susan A-R

Here's one I wrote a number of years ago

How can the sun shine on bright snow and pine
true light from true light my darling
When children are hungry and homeless and crying
And sorrow sweeps like a wind through my soul

And how can the song still flow sweet and strong
True light . . .
When the air in my lungs says we've squandered too long
And sorrow . . .

And how can the earth still bloom and give birth
When children grow old with no sense of self worth

And how can your face still give my soul peace
When greed clings to power and wars will not cease

Your face and the sun, the blossom and song
Are the strength and the hope and the life to go on
When sorrow sweeps like a wind through my soul


Alas, I don't know how to enter music here, but I could send tape or something via snail mail if it grabs you.

Also, I find Oh Had I a Golden Thread by Pete Seeger to be a wonderful song in troubled times. I also have been singing Julian of Norwich to myself of late. Wonder why.

Susan
Line Breaks <br> added.
-Joe Offer-

30 Apr 99 - 12:23 AM (#74480)
Subject: Lyr Add: THE CIRCLES OF LOVE
From: SailormomRita (inactive)

I wrote these words at the tender age of 22...I'm now 55...while thoroughly depressed in a dingy flat on Queensway in Bayswater...London in 1966...despite the liner notes on the album - BIG SUR CHOIR..Peaceable Records 1974..which say "...it could only have been written in a coastal part of the country..."refering to my home in Big Sur...it is a waltz tune...maybe it will still speak to someone...it cheered me up.

THE CIRCLES OF LOVE

The stars still seem to be shinin'
and the waves still crash on the shore
in the time of a man
some rock will turn to sand
and oceans of rain will pour

Chorus
When things go wrong
and all hope is gone
look for the circles above
open your skies to the light in your eyes
and look for the circles of Love

Lay down that load you're haulin'
down that long and lonesome road
a helping hand is as near as you stand
to the seeds that you have sowed

This world that we share
is not without care
and the troubles are grave indeed
but believe in Love in your heart and your mind
and I think you will find what you need

Rita
Line Breaks
added.
-Joe Offer-

30 Apr 99 - 09:46 AM (#74587)
Subject: RE: Songs of Hope/Encouragement
From: Pete Peterson

Carter family's You've been a friend to me

I'll ne'er forget you wheree'er I go Where-ever you may be If ever I have had a friend You've been that friend to me

30 Apr 99 - 11:39 AM (#74621)
Subject: RE: Songs of Hope/Encouragement
From: Penny

Is there a Julian of Norwich song, then? I have the book by my bed, but I'd not thought of singing from it. Silent contemplation is more my line for that, but I'd like to know one if there is one.

30 Apr 99 - 03:51 PM (#74679)
Subject: RE: Songs of Hope/Encouragement
From: Joe Offer

JULIAN OF NORWICH (click here), by Sydney Carter, is a wonderful song, Penny. Bok, Muir and Trickett did a good recording of it on their First Fifteen Years CD.
-Joe Offer-

30 Apr 99 - 05:58 PM (#74702)
Subject: RE: Songs of Hope/Encouragement
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)

Susan, do find a way to post the tune of that song- I'd love to hear it! It sounds like the song I've been trying to write over the past few weeks but havent' had the time or the heart to begin. You've done it for me- now I'm eager to learn it!
....since we're practically neighbors (I figure I'm about 2 1/2 hours away from yuor neck of the woods) .... that is, unless your one of those Vermonters who don't speak to those of us from NH! (NOI< grin, etc.)
Allison

01 May 99 - 03:03 AM (#74822)
Subject: Lyr Add: MAGIC PENNY (Malvina Reynolds)
From: bseed(charleskratz)

This song by Malvina Reynolds isn't in the digitrad:

Magic Penny

Chorus
Love is something if you give it away,
If you give it away,
If you give it away,
Love is something if you give it away,
You end up having more.

Love is like a magic penny,
Hold it tight and you won't have any,
Lend it, spend it, and you'll have so many
They'll roll all over the floor, for...(chorus)

Let's go dancing 'til the break of day,
And if there's a piper, we can pay,
'Cuz love is something if you give it away,
You end up having more. (chorus)




Another song is "One Man's Hands" of which there is a different version in the digitrad:

One man's hands can't tear a prison down,
Two men's hands can't tear a prison down,
But if one and two and fifty make a million,
We'll see that day come round,
We'll see that day come round.

There are more verses in a book I have somewhere. --seed

01 May 99 - 03:43 AM (#74827)
Subject: RE: Songs of Hope/Encouragement
From: bseed(charleskratz)

And Joe, I'll have a nice warm handshake, sans loogie, for you if we ever meet at the Berkeley Pick'n'fiddle thang: I, too, will save my hugs for your sweetie. --seed

01 May 99 - 09:56 AM (#74870)
Subject: Lyr Add: Better To Fail
From: The Shambles

I do seem to have posted more than my fair share of 'wrist slashers' lately, so this is a chance to share something positive.

Better To Fail

Don't just say, "oh it would be good".
"Yes, but, well, if only we could".
Just grab the bull by the horns,
Take the roses, don't mind the thorns.

If you've got a favourite scheme,
Are you just going to sit there and dream?
Don't worry the children might do,
They're more ready for adventure than you.

Stand up proud, don't try to hide,
Say it loud, don't keep it inside.
It's better to fail, than to never have tried,
It's better to fail, than to never have tried,

How will you ever know,
If your talent might grow?
If you don't water the flower it dies,
Open the cage and see the bird fly.

So come on, what's your excuse,
What do you really, really, have to lose?
If you make a small sacrifice,
You may find it's well worth the price?

Stand up proud, don't try to hide,
Say it loud, don't keep it inside.
It's better to fail, than to never have tried,
It's better to fail, than to never have tried,

Well you don't have to try to be the same,
I know it's hard, not to play that game.
But we are all different it's true,
It's only you, can do the things you do.

Stand up proud, don't try to hide,
Say it loud, don't keep it inside.
It's better to fail, than to never have tried,
It's better to fail, than to never have tried,

Roger Gall 1996.

01 May 99 - 11:22 AM (#74880)
Subject: RE: Songs of Hope/Encouragement
From: belter

Some of the songs that have been mentioned helped me through rough times, but the song I think is the most up lifting one I know is The Sailors Prayer. Thats in the DT but I'm not sure of their title.

the course is

I will not lie me down, This rain a raging
I will not lie me down, In such a storm
And if this night being blessed
I will not take me rest
Until I reach another shore

I sang this at a recent SCA bardic event in Grandforks in responce to a challenge for rousing songs.

01 May 99 - 12:31 PM (#74897)
Subject: Lyr Add: LIFE (Tom Paxton)^^
From: rich r

LIFE
by Tom Paxton

May the sound of children be your music
May your blessing be the ones you earn,
May your days be filled with sun,
May you deeply love someone,
May that someone love you in return.

CH:
Life - May yours be long and loving
Peace - May you enjoy its blessings
Joy - May it be yours to savor
Love - May it be yours forever.

May your only sorrows be the small ones,
May they leave you stronger when they go
May the love of friends be yours,
May you live with open doors,
May you feel the love within you grow.

CH

May your smallest moment be a full one
May your life be all that it can be
May you come to love yourself
And hold that love above yourself
And hold that love for all the world to see.

CH


I think this is one of Tom Paxton's most uplifting songs. How sad that it is not better known and more widely sung.

rich r

01 May 99 - 02:57 PM (#74934)
Subject: RE: Songs of Hope/Encouragement
From: Sandy Paton

Rich R: Which of Tom's recordings has that "Life" song? It's one I'd like to learn.

Sandy

01 May 99 - 07:19 PM (#74989)
Subject: RE: Songs of Hope/Encouragement
From: bseed(charleskratz)

good grief, Joe: how'd my posting to the Mudcat Handshake thread end up here (I got timed out on an apology for the double posting and suggestion that "This Little Light of Mine" is a great group song for raising spirits--I had remarked that the first time I posted "Magic Penny" I got timed out, also, and reposted--but the timed out posting got here too. I checked out the handshake thread after that (as you can see from the times). oh, well. --seed

01 May 99 - 11:20 PM (#75022)
Subject: RE: Songs of Hope/Encouragement
From: rich r

Sandy,

"Life" is from "Something In My Life" (1975, PS 2002, Private Stock Records) by Tom Paxton. As far as I know it was his only recording on that label which may account for its relative obscurity. It is not on CD. His other recording labels (Elektra, Reprise, Flying Fish, Vanguard, Mountain Railroad, etc.) all had more than one album in their series.

rich r

03 May 99 - 02:23 AM (#75234)
Subject: RE: Songs of Hope/Encouragement
From: Sandy Paton

Thanks, Rich! The rest of you Mudcatters should know that Rich pointed me to the record auction on eBay just in time for me to enter a bid and obtain the Tom Paxton album mentioned above. Talk about serendipity!

Sandy

03 May 99 - 04:34 AM (#75246)
Subject: RE: Songs of Hope/Encouragement
From: Mark Cohen

That Tom Paxton song reminds me of the chorus of a Fred Small song (there don't seem to be any of his songs in the DT, which is too bad):

May the rain run off your shoulder when you're caught in the storm
When the frost comes a-calling, may it find you safe and warm
May your place be set
May your promises be kept
May you never forget you are loved

That song helped get me through a very bleak central Massachusetts winter about 15 years ago.

03 May 99 - 06:36 AM (#75261)
Subject: RE: Songs of Hope/Encouragement
From: Penny

Thanks Joe for the Julian reference. I should be able to find the tune now I know it's Sydney Carter.

13 May 99 - 08:55 PM (#78236)
Subject: RE: Songs of Hope/Encouragement
From: bbc

Between Kosovo, Littleton, CO, & catspaw's health, here' a couple more. We need all the hope & encouragement we can get!

Turning toward the Morning--Gordon Bok

Faith of Man--Bill Staines

love,

bbc

14 May 99 - 12:32 AM (#78294)
Subject: Lyr Add: BRIGHT MORNING STARS^^^
From: WyoWoman

An old Appalachian spiritual song (I think...)

Bright mornin' stars are rising,
Bright mornin' stars are rising,
Bright morning stars are rising,
Day is a' breakin' in my soul.

And where are our dear fathers?
And where are our dear fathers?
They are gone to the valley a' prayin'
Day is a breakin' in my soul...

And where are our dear mothers?
And where are our dear mothers?
They are gone to heaven a' shoutin'.
Day is a'breakin' in my soul.

(Our brothers are sowin' seeds of gladness and our sisters are by the streams a'dancin' -- but mostly I love that image of day breaking in my soul...And it has the most wonderful melody and harmonies. Simply luscious and haunting. )

I also love "What a wonderful world..."

And a sufi hymn I learned long ago, "You are ..."

14 May 99 - 06:51 PM (#78531)
Subject: Lyr Add: MY OLD BROWN EARTH (Pete Seeger)^^
From: emily rain

yesterday i discovered "MY OLD BROWN EARTH" by Pete Seeger... he wrote it for the funeral of some activist whose name/life work i can no longer remember. it has a simple, lovely melody.

to my old brown earth
and to my old blue sky
I'll now give these last few molecules of "I"
and you who sing
and you who stand nearby
I do charge you not to cry
guard well our human chain
watch well you keep it strong
as long as sun will shine
and this our home
keep pure and sweet and green
for now I'm yours
and you are also mine

15 May 99 - 01:36 AM (#78616)
Subject: RE: Songs of Hope/Encouragement
From: WyoWoman

Where could I hear the melody to the Pete Seeger song? I love the words... kc

15 May 99 - 10:46 AM (#78669)
Subject: RE: Songs of Hope/Encouragement
From: Graham Pirt

How about Dylan's "Death is not the end" for the ultimate in hope?!

17 May 99 - 12:59 PM (#79170)
Subject: RE: Songs of Hope/Encouragement
From: emily rain

"my old brown earth" is on his album titled "pete". a pretty recent release (early 90's). if you can't get your hands on it, i could sing it into a wav file and stick it on my website. let me know.

17 May 99 - 01:29 PM (#79178)
Subject: RE: Songs of Hope/Encouragement
From: The Shambles

This one could live happily in this thread Autumn Gold. A song for 'old' Mudcatter's?